Is this thick white substance Fibrin, slough, and or a sign of healing? (Photos)

Question

Incision opened after scab was removed. I have been cleaning BID with n/s, applying silvadene, and covering with gauze per my ps instructions. However, it seems to be staying the same after about 2 weeks. Suggestions please, thank you kindly.

Himansu Shah, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and photos. It is difficult to answer your question without examining you however from reviewing your photos. This is normal once the scab falls off. It is best to continue to follow your board certified plastic surgeon’s advice. Good luck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear cliche29,this type of wound is not uncommon after breast lift. It is usually caused by poor blood flow. I would suggest you to consult your plastic surgeon, follow your surgeon's instructions and keep your wound clean and covered. It can take few weeks or months for wound to fully heal. Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Austin Hayes, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. You're doing the exact right thing by following your surgeon's instructions closely. It's difficult to say without seeing you in person, but based on your photos it appears that the white is some of the deeper layers of skin. The deepest layer of skin is called dermis and it can still be left if you form a thin scab and it falls off. With time this layer will become red as healthy tissue forms. This red tissue is called granulation tissue and its fragile, so don't be surprised if it bleeds a little when you wash it. Once a healthy vascularized layer of granulation tissue forms the surrounding skin will cover over the area and you will be healed. Usually this process takes about two weeks. If you have questions or concerns make sure to reach out to your surgeon directly. Congratulations on your surgery.

Amira Sanki, MBBS Hons, FRACS, PhD · Answer

Hi there, 
It appears you have a small white area at the T junction part of a breast wound. This is most likely due to a small area of poor blood supply to the skin causing the skin to necrose (die). That sounds awful, but it is going to be ok. It is unfortunately common to have skin necrosis at this area of the wound as the blood supply feeding oxygen to this skin is weakest. The treatment is to apply dressings to keep the area clean. Your surgeon will guide you as to whether these dressings should be dry to mop up any fluid or wet to help new skin cells grow. It will take about 4-6 weeks for this to heal. It will not affect your long term outcome, and you will still get a great result.

Is this thick white substance Fibrin, slough, and or a sign of healing? (Photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: White area in wound

Answer: White area in wound

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Is this thick white substance Fibrin, slough, and or a sign of healing? (Photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: White area in wound

Answer: White area in wound

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.